Citation

Schäfer T, Smukalla M, Oelker SA. Psychol. Music 2013; 42(4): 525-544.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2013, Society for Research in Psychology of Music and Music Education, Publisher SAGE Publishing)

DOI

10.1177/0305735613482024

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Intense musical experiences (IMEs) have proven to be of high significance for the people who have them. We investigated the long-term effects of such experiences on people's way of life and developed a process model: (1) IMEs are characterized by altered states of consciousness, which leads to the experience of harmony and self-realization; (2) IMEs leave people with a strong motivation to attain the same harmony in their daily lives; (3) people develop manifold resources during an IME; (4) IMEs cause long-term changes to occur in people's personal values, their perception of the meaning of life, social relationships, engagement, activities, and personal development. Results are discussed as they relate to spirituality and altered states of consciousness and conclusions are drawn from the process model that form a starting point for quantitative research. Results suggest that music can indeed change our lives - by making it more fulfilling, spiritual, and harmonious.

Language: en